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Nearly 300 HPU students graduated at the ceremony held at the Hawai'i Convention Center.
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Edna Magpantay-Monroe with HPU School of Nursing graduates.
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HPU graduates with John Gotanda and Jennifer Walsh shortly before the ceremony commenced.
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The Oli Aloha performed during the graduation ceremony.
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Undergraduate valedictory speaker Natalie Ann Ovena.
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Graduate valedictory Natalie Castillo O'Brien.
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A graduate receives his degree at the graduation ceremony.
HPU commemorated the achievements of its fall class of 2023 with graduation ceremony held on December 14, at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center. Among the nearly 300 graduates, a notable contingent excelled in healthcare disciplines, securing degrees such as the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Master of Public Health (MPH), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
Marking a milestone, HPU witnessed its largest-ever graduating class of DNP students, and, in a first for the University, post-master’s certificate graduates were also honored during the ceremony.
HPU President John Gotanda and HPU Senior Vice President and Provost Jennifer Walsh on stage at the graduation ceremony.
HPU is on the pulse of the growing interest in healthcare careers and is making exciting strides in expanding its array of health science degrees. Among the exciting offerings are programs like the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Master of Medical Science Physician Assistant (PA), and Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD). This forward-thinking initiative reflects HPU's dedication to offering a rich variety of educational opportunities that seamlessly mesh with the ever-changing landscape of the healthcare industry.
Leading the graduation proceedings, HPU President John Gotanda, J.D., delivered impactful remarks and conferred degrees, while HPU Senior Vice President and Provost Walsh, Ph.D., skillfully served as the Master of Ceremonies.
HPU Chairman of the Board of Trustees Lance Wilhelm attended the ceremony, and in a poignant moment he presented to his daughter, Kate Nohea Wilhelm, her bachelor of arts degree.
The ceremony featured inspiring remarks from undergraduate valedictory speaker Natalie Ann Ovena and graduate valedictory speaker Natalie Castillo O’Brien.
Lance Wilhelm with his daughter Kate Nohea Wilhelm at the graduation ceremony.
Ovena, an Environmental Science student at HPU, developed a passion for environmental studies in Hawaiʻi. As a policy fellow at Blue Planet Foundation, she contributed to community engagement and renewable energy policies. Collaborating with Professor Carmella Vizza, she researched water quality for Kalou fishpond restoration. Post-graduation, she plans a two-year Hawaiʻi Sea Grant to document fish species for Kalou. Ovena's ultimate goal is to attend law school, specializing in environmental law for a sustainable and equitable society.
O'Brien, a Master of Public Health student in England, developed an interest in epidemiology during her healthcare administration studies. Overcoming logistical challenges at HPU, her capstone project on the "Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Health Seeking Dilemma" benefited from her HealthWatch England internship. She credits her success to professor guidance and community engagement, expressing a determination to pursue a Ph.D. in epidemiology.
At the end of the night, the Hawaii Convention Center buzzed with excitement as graduates' families and friends celebrated the accomplishments of their loved ones. HPU faculty members offered heartfelt congratulations and captured memorable moments with snapshots. The jubilant crowd headed outside under the stars against the backdrop of Waikiki's iconic skyline, cherishing a night where perseverance culminated in success, and a promising future awaits each graduate.
